The ex-TFC captain-turned gaffer was quite candid in explaining why the Seattle Sounders made easy work of his ‘Caps in a one-sided Western Conference semifinal.

“We just weren’t quite good enough to get over that hump and get to the next level – which is the final of the Western Conference,” Robinson told reporters. “The better team won over two legs.”

Robinson eventually repeated: “The better team won over two legs.”

He added later: “(We were) beaten by the better team over two legs.”

And, finally: “Over two legs we didn’t have enough quality to get through.”

Any more questions?

Robinson’s correct. And good on him for refusing to mindlessly pump his club’s tires after bowing out a game — but also a good distance — short of the conference final.

“Sometimes you have to accept where you are,” Robinson said. “We’ll have to get our thinking caps on.”

And, just maybe, their spending caps.

The Whitecaps still lack an elite-level scorer to compliment a solid piece like Yordy Reyna. The club still needs a midfield playmaker – a Victor Vazquez, Nico Lodeiro, or Miguel Almiron – to create chances, and Fredy Montero is limited in a league that’s vastly improved since he returned after a five-year absence.

Blame Robinson all you want for the fact the ‘Caps produced just a single shot on goal in a 2-0 aggregate loss to one of their biggest rivals. The truth is the ‘Caps just aren’t good enough in a league where spending is becoming more and more critical.

TORONTO FC TALK

Moor was replaced at halftime after rolling his ankle in a 2-1 win over New York. Vazquez was removed midway through the second half following what the club describes vaguely as a pelvic injury.

“They were able to get through the sections of training that we had hoped. Now we’ll see how they respond,” coach Greg Vanney said, as per the club’s official website. “With these injuries, it’s not just about the day of training, but the response afterward so we know if they can turn around and go.

“Tomorrow’s another day, so we’ll see where they’re at physically. Those injuries can get irritated quickly, but the hope is that they come back tomorrow feeling good.”

The swelling in Moor’s ankle has subsided since earlier this week.

Vazquez’s injury doesn’t appear serious.

THINGS I’M THINKING

Take away Sebastian Giovinco’s free-kick goals in Atlanta and New Jersey and you’re left with three consecutive mediocre performances since the Atomic Ant’s return from injury. A concern? Perhaps. Unless the Italian continues to score on every restart he takes … Toronto FC’s Justin Morrow is a finalist for MLS Defender of the Year despite Chris Mavinga being TFC’s best defender in 2017 … Ex-TFC coach Ryan Nelsen did at least one thing right during his brief time at BMO Field. He drafted Nick Hagglund, who was immense at Red Bull Arena and could play a major role in Sunday’s return leg … Toronto FC’s most unheralded player this season? It’s not Marky Delgado. It’s Eriq Zavaleta – who’s in a contract year … New York City FC has played three playoff games since its inaugural season. They’ve conceded 11 goals in those fixtures – seven to TFC, four to Columbus … Am I crazy, or are people a little too high on Columbus? They’ve conceded 42 shots over two playoff games, and their opponents have struck the post in both games. Truth be told, the Crew easily could have trailed by multiple goals entering halftime of the first leg at Crew Stadium … Even worse for the Bronx Blues? They probably would still have a chance to advance if Sean Johnson wasn’t their goalkeeper … City scored three or more goals four times this season at home.

WILL THEY, WON’T THEY?

Days after Columbus trounced New York City FC in the first leg of an Eastern Conference semifinal, the president of Precourt Sports Ventures – which owns the embattled Crew – was in Austin, Tex. to ramp up support for possible relocation.

“We could not be any more serious about this move (Austin),” Dave Greeley told a crowd packed into a local bar, according to the Austin American-Statesman.

“When you’re talking about a privately financed Major League Soccer stadium of $150 million to $200 (million) or $250 million, that’s a serious way of saying, ‘I do.’”

Crew fans hope they don’t. And MLS headquarters claims no decision has been made.

That said, the fact Columbus drew less than 15,000 fans to a massive playoff game following a drive to sell tickets that included a two-week #SaveTheCrew catchphrase shows it’s a market that might not be worth saving – especially if Austin turns out to be another Portland or Atlanta or Orlando.

“We love where Austin is today, but we really like where it is going tomorrow,” Greeley added.

The Crew announced they were exploring potential relocation before this year’s playoffs.

FUNNY GUY

Reminded TFC has scored 2.6 goals per game on average at BMO Field this season, Red Bulls coach Jesse Marsch acknowledged his team will need to score “3.6” if it’s to advance to the conference final.

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